AFPM ’19: US acetone antidumping probe may reduce imports, pressure prices – source

SAN ANTONIO (ICIS)–Market players expect trade flow shifts and a firming effect on acetone prices in the US as a result of the US antidumping investigation.

Import volumes into the US will likely be lower in 2019 compared with 2018, an Asia-based phenol/acetone producer said on the sidelines of this year’s International Petrochemical Conference (IPC).

However, the US will still need the acetone volumes so the question will be where they will come from and at what price.

The source anticipates acetone prices will be under upward pressure following preliminary findings in the case. An initial finding is expected to come on 5 April.

Major US acetone producers include INEOS Phenol, Shell Chemical, Altivia, AdvanSix, SABIC and Olin.

Hosted by the American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM), the IPC takes place on 24-26 March in San Antonio, Texas.